Design Degrees Online

Career opportunities
The University’s unique location on the cusp of the City, Hatton Gardens and the East End includes a dynamic and expanding jewellery and fashion textiles community within which students can practice. Through excellent specialist facilities, work placement and live project opportunities, students will develop a professional network. Typical career opportunities include work as designers or jewellery production assistants and work within jewellery manufacturing companies, jewellery or fashion design companies or in retail trend prediction. You may also progess to the final level of BA (Hons) degree.

Career opportunities
Many students progress to the final level of a BA (Hons) degree and eventually to postgraduate degrees. A significant percentage start up designer-maker studios and businesses. Some find alternative careers within the jewellery and silversmithing industries, both within the UK and overseas, including employment or consultancy within specialist Silversmithing and Jewellery companies.

Course aims

The course includes a variety of staff-set, ‘live’ projects, competitions and student self-set assignments delivered through studio practice, workshops and lectures. Projects may include: advertising, editorial and information design, interactive design, moving and time-based graphics and packaging design. There are excellent facilities for digital media, printmaking, illustration and photography with opportunities to study typography, illustration digital imaging and web design.
Special course features
Small group sizes allow good individual support
Well equipped Apple Mac suite and design studios
Course located in the new Windmill Avenue Campus of the Tresham Institute
All lecturers and facilitators have design industry experience
Option to convert the HND to a BA (Hons) by opting for an additional third year of study at Northampton
Course content
Stage one

Four compulsory modules: integrated graphic studies (range of design projects using both digital and traditional techniques and processes; professional studies (professional disciplines, group work, live project work); visual studies (illustration, drawing and related design projects) and visual and material culture (study of design history, and how design relates to our 21st century culture).
Stage two

Four compulsory modules - communication designs (range of design projects using both digital and traditional techniques and processes); elective study (opportunity to specialise in either illustration, photography or typography - each in a graphic design context; professional studies (professional disciplines, group work, live project work), and visual and material culture (study of design history, and how design relates to our 21st century culture).
Stage three

Students wishing to progress to level three in order to ‘top-up’ the HND qualification to a BA (Hons) degree will attend an interview at The University of Northampton. The level three programme consists of a final major project in the selected area of specialism, and a dissertation.
Typical modules include
Design project
Development work
Practical and written projects
Career opportunities

Today’s fast-moving design industry provides a wide range of exciting employment opportunities for graduates who may be employed as graphic designers, photographers, illustrators and web designers. Creativity and technical ability are required in equal measure by design organisations wishing to recruit newly qualified designers.

Alternatively you may continue to full BA (Hons) study in Graphic Communication/Advertising or establish your own design company.

Entry Requirements

A BA (Hons) degree (or equivalent experience) in practice, theory or history of art or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Art and/or Design (PGCE L7).

Applications will also be considered from those with experience and/or alternative qualifications in educational and artistic theory and/or practice, substantial teaching experience or sufficient knowledge to benefit from the course.

Overseas applicants will need to prove competency in English - TOFEL 5.5 to IELTSS 6.0 - or other satisfactory evidence.
Admission with Credit

This enables an applicant to be exempt from a specified number of modules in lieu of credits already achieved. Exemption from any one stage will not normally exceed 50% of that stage’s requirements. The award of pass or distinction will be based on the results achieved on the award-bearing course taught at Birmingham City University only.

At the end of your studies, you may become an:
artist
designer
craftsperson
teacher
workshop leader
technician
community arts worker
studio/workshop assistant in a wide range of creative industries, including theatre, heritage, creative events, film and TV production or design and arts management.

You also have the opportunity to progress to higher level study. UCA Rochester offers a bespoke 1 year progression route to full BA (Hons) degree, for more information see BA (Hons) Art & Design: Creative & Technical Practice.

Industry links
You will benefit from industry and professional links across the South East that include:
Tourism South East
Medway Renaissance
Medway Council
Kent Education
Maidstone Museum
Rochester Guildhall museum
HeArt Medway
Sure Start Nurseries
Stour Valley Arts
South East Trains
Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Careers and professional development

You will gain both subject specific and interpersonal skills. Employers want graduates who can demonstrate their ability to work independently as well as part of a team, to give presentations and write reports, and to think creatively. The skills you learn on the course will be directly relevant to the interior design workplace, from drawing and colour work though to dealing with builders and clients.

A wide range of careers are open to foundation degree graduates – they include interior designers, space planners, CAD technicians, project managers, visualisers, interior/display stylists, and visual merchandising designers. These jobs can be found in the hotel and leisure industries, retail, theatres/film and commerce, in the public and private sector.

On successful completion of the FdA Design for Interiors you may choose to continue your studies to gain a BA (Hons) Design for Interiors by undertaking our ‘Top Up’ year. In particular, this course will develop your project management skills allowing you to gain access to higher levels of responsibility at work.

The ‘Top Up’ course is also available by full-time or part-time study, to suit your work/life balance.

On completion of the foundation degree or BA (Hons) degree you will become a member of the university’s Alumni Association gaining access to a wide range of university facilities, including libraries, journals and periodicals as well as professional and employment advice, throughout your career.

Careers and professional development

The BA (Hons) in Design for Interiors course offers you the opportunity to become a creative professional. It is taught by industry experts and is directly relevant to the sector – so you have the edge. You will be confident, informed, design proficient, and market aware – and in-demand. With professional and business skills – from drawing to colour to project management – you will be ready for a wide range of direct employment or freelance work within the sector.

Graduates are in-demand as designers, consultants, stylists, educators and buyers in diverse sectors, and some choose to progress to higher study.

Employers look for graduates who can demonstrate their ability to work independently and in a team, to give presentations and write reports, and can think creatively - skills crucial for entrepreneurs too. If you decide to set up your own business you will find support in the university’s Alumni Association.

On completion the BA (Hons) degree you will become a member of the university’s Alumni Association gaining access to a wide range of university facilities, including libraries, journals and periodicals as well as professional and employment advice, throughout your career.

Careers and professional development

The BA (Hons) in Design for Interiors course offers you the opportunity to become a creative professional. It is taught by industry experts and is directly relevant to the sector – so you have the edge. You will be confident, informed, design proficient, and market aware – and in-demand. With professional and business skills – from drawing to colour to project management – you will be ready for a wide range of direct employment or freelance work within the sector.

Graduates are in-demand as designers, consultants, stylists, educators and buyers in diverse sectors, and some choose to progress to higher study.

Employers look for graduates who can demonstrate their ability to work independently and in a team, to give presentations and write reports, and can think creatively - skills crucial for entrepreneurs too. If you decide to set up your own business you will find support in the university’s Alumni Association.

On completion the BA (Hons) degree you will become a member of the university’s Alumni Association gaining access to a wide range of university facilities, including libraries, journals and periodicals as well as professional and employment advice, throughout your career.

About the course

Three well-established subject areas contribute to this course. This means that you benefit from the rich diversity of teaching in Product Design, Art and Design and the Built Environment available at the University of Bolton.
What you will learn

You will gain all the professional skills required to progress in this dynamic and exciting sector. Do you want to specialise in domestic, industrial or retail interior design? You can choose. This course is at the cutting edge of contemporary design for interiors issues so you will learn about environmental aspects of design, designing for special user groups, and the use of technology in interiors. The practical and theoretical modules cover colour, drawing, CAD, materials, and the history of interior design and develop an awareness of the regulatory issues affecting the sector. You will deliver group and individual projects and presentations and develop advanced research skills in preparation for your Personal Project.

Activities at Levels 1 and 2 include: practical exercises; projects; group work; formal lectures; research (internet, book or retail based); and field trips. Throughout you will take part in formal feedback sessions and computer-based projects and presentations.

This BA (Hons) degree is designed to give you the edge in this competitive and growing market place. If you are already working in interior design, it will help set you apart, ensuring your experience is recognised and rewarded. You will be able to demonstrate advanced skills and learning in the field, and a wide range of transferable skills from evaluation to presentation skills – all of which are in great demand from graduate employers. As well as being relevant to your current role, your skills and knowledge will open up a range of new career development opportunities related to design for interiors.
What you will study

Combining practical and theoretical study, live projects and work based learning, this course covers all aspects of interior design.

Level 1
Critical Studies; Colour, Texture and Finishes; Drawing and Drafting for Interiors; Materials; CAD Skills; Work Based Learning Project.

Level 2
Design Restraints; Global Interiors; Enterprise and Business; CAD Practice and Analysis; Design Theories; Interior Design Project.

Level 3
Theory into Practice; Contemporary Issues in Interior Design; Project Management; The Smart Building; Professionalising your Practice; Personal Project. Project work forms a substantial part of this programme; at this level modules combine creative, academic and professional learning in practice . You will consider new technologies, theories and applications including eco-design. As you develop your individual project you will be challenged and supported by frequent tutorials and group discussions. You will work independently and develop advanced critical appraisal skills enabling you to evaluate your own work.

The BA (Hons) syllabus is broad, creative and challenging. The historical and global influences in design; how design changes lives; the impact of relevant legislation; the many different materials used in interiors, their properties and use – are all considered. Please visit our Module Descriptions webpage for further details.

During the course you will study human responses to interior spaces, the management of design projects, and how technology enhances interior spaces for users with special needs.

The Interior Design Project is the culmination of your studies, where you will apply your learning from all your earlier modules. By following the design process from research and inception through to the project’s completion you will create a suitable interior for the selected space - which may be within the university or in a ‘live’ workplace. You will need to demonstrate a number of key skills and abilities - research into design and colour trends, sourcing and costing of materials, and the coherent, appropriate and innovative use of materials. Tutors will look for evidence of originality of ideas, independence of study and a clear link between your personal approach to the project and your understanding of interior design. Seminars, tutorials and individual meetings with your project facilitator offer support and challenge your ideas.

Levels 1 and 2 of the course offer inspirational visits to top trade fairs, for instance ‘Interiors Birmingham’, where you will be exposed to the latest innovations and trends in interior design. In addition, study trips to historic houses or contemporary hotels, bars and clubs bring to life the historic and contemporary contexts of interior design. The university enjoys a superb reputuation for design, arts and built environment courses, so we can attract leading industry practitioners to offer an exciting programme of ‘master classes’. Here the experts share their experiences and insights with you and offer expertise in specific areas of the industry such as contract interiors (pubs and clubs), domestic and retail interiors.
Special features

In the first two years of the course you will undertake a study visit to an international trade fair, and later have the opportunity to participate in national competitions and exhibitions.

Teaching and learning is in small groups so you benefit from specialist, one-to-one tutor support throughout your course.

Cross-school delivery and academic study coupled with ‘live’ experience means this course is designed for real industry needs, as well as offering professional and up to date teaching in state-of-the-art facilities.

If you are currently in work in a relevant industry you can gain credit for your work-based learning and if you study full-time you can gain credit for work placements.

Practical work is undertaken in our new purpose-built Design Studio, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment as well as industry standard IT and CAD suites. You will also carry out practical case-study project work. Small class sizes mean you will receive one-to-one support from expert tutors throughout your course.